By Marion Grobb
Director Communications, D Comm, CFPSA, Ottawa
(613) 996-6826 grobb.marion@cfpsa.com

Marion Grobb and Christine Arsenault (middle) single-handedly increase NATEX bottom lines!

As I type, I am sitting cross-legged on the floor in my Belgian hotel room and I can honestly say that I am in "SHAPE". A few weeks ago, I'd received a request to do a communications presentation at the CMFRC (Canadian Military Family Resource Centres) conference in "SHAPE" (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), Mons. I quickly accepted and began my adventure to explore military and CFPSA life in Europe.

Master Corporal Kraft supports CF and CFPSA phones, internet and computers throughout Europe.

The red-eye trip went smoothly and the task of getting from Dusseldorf Airport to Geilenkirchen (GK) an hour away, was resolved by PSP Manager, Tony Adams, who arranged for Private Terry Johnson to pick me up. Having Tony to lean on reminded me how important support across the miles can be - much like the various types of support our agency routinely offers to deployed military members.

Jill Peck, Regional Representative (Europe) of the CMFRCs arranged for a colleague, Christine Arsenault, to tour me around the NATO base. I am pleased to report that I single-handedly improved NATEX bottom lines. Impressed by the array of quality products filling four separate buildings, I stocked up on brand name perfumes, chocolates and liqueurs at terrific savings. Thanks to Christine, I learned that NATO is a community unto itself, offering a busy MFRC serving three nearby communities - GK, Wiederheid and Brunssum.

PSP Manager, Tony Adams in his Geilenkirchen office.

Tony Adams and European Human Resources (HR) Coordinator, Amelia Moss, introduced me to downtown GK. Ordering at the restaurant gave me an appreciation of the language challenges faced by those deployed. I had a newfound appreciation for the language lessons and introductions to new cultures provided by the MFRCs.

The next day, in Tony's PSP building in GK, Kim Holden, a CMFRC volunteer shared her arts and crafts skills as she has at each of her family's postings over the past decade. While balancing home duties and raising four kids, Kim says she volunteers because, "I know what I do makes a difference in people's lives." Karen Matheson, a fellow Canadian military spouse, noted that the CMFRC "… helps us to develop friendships and to adjust." Kim Arsenault, another spouse, adds that CMFRCs have a definite role in making families feel "not so isolated."

CMFRC directors, board members and staff from across Europe joined in the November 2002 conference in Mons, Belgium.

It turns out that our V.P. Human Resources, Gerard Etienne, was also in GK and drove with Tony, Amelia and me to Mons. During the drive, I shared with Gerard what Tony had told me - PSP rents chalets in various parts of Europe at incredibly reasonable prices beginning as low as about $300 Euro (around $500 Cdn) per week. These chalet bargains, coupled with the amazing PSP ski rental deals -- even ski racks and chains for the car - make travelling a snap and contribute to the CF members' quality of life while in Europe.

(Right) Kim Holden teaches the finer art of quilting to Karen Matheson (left) at Geilenkirchen MFRC.

On the final day of the CMFRC conference, the Friday I gave my presentation, the day opened with a few words from Captain (N) Stuart Andrews. He explained that as Force Commander, he has overall authority and responsibility for the CMFRCs and delegates authority to the Site or Station Commanding Officers (SCOs) who get advice and support from various colleagues. In view of limited resources and numbers of people, "… the Military Family Resource Program works especially well in Europe," commends Capt Andrews.

Oh yes, back to the reason for my trip -- my day-long workshop I presented on "Communicating with Impact" went well. But of greatest importance, it gave me the chance to meet many CMFRC colleagues. I've learned that military members posted to Europe can look forward to fine Rhine wines, Belgian chocolate and Brugge lace, as well as a warm CMFRC (and CFPSA) welcome. After all, isn't feeling welcomed truly the best way to communicate with impact?

Photos by Marion Grobb